A popcorn prayer circle gives everyone an opportunity to offer a prayer, either silently or vocally. This is a nice way to pray if you are doing an activity where you are practicing silence. But it is also just another way to pray together, or if you want to make sure everyone has a chance to offer their whole prayer without interruption.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Coffee Filter Candle Holder
These colorful candle holders are fun for kids to make. Little children will need more help than older ones. Once finished, add a battery operated tea light and place on your prayer table. Then you have a colorful votive candle holder.
ABC Prayer Circle
This prayer prompt is to discover prayer ideas which start with different letters of the alphabet. This is a suggestion for a group prayer, but it could also be used as an individual prayer starter.
One Word Spontaneous Prayer Circle
A one word spontaneous prayer circle is a way to encourage spontaneous prayer in a group. The simplicity helps group members participate even if they are a little intimidated by spontaneous prayer.
Baby Food Taste Tester Game
Baby food is pretty bland and it can be difficult to know the flavor just by tasting it. In this game, teenagers try to guess the flavors of assorted baby foods. Be prepared for plenty of laughs. This game would work well with a meeting focused on the Eucharist or about being spiritually fed.
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit Cryptogram
This worksheet introduces the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. A definition of each gift or fruit is given along with the encrypted answer. Each letter actually represents a different letter. So every time a youth decrypts a word, they get more clues for how to decrypt the remaining word.
Strength in Numbers Game and Reflection Questions
This game shows youth that they need help from God and from their community. The reflection questions help them explore the importance of relying on Jesus and each other. It is also a good lesson in endurance.
Shepherd’s Voice Game
This game helps youth understand the importance of listening. Each group of sheep must listen to their shepherd’s voice and follow it. It also goes well with a lesson on sticking together in community. The group of sheep will find it easier to get home if they stay together.
Fruit Salad Game
This is an easy no-prep circle game for youth ministry, Vacation Bible School (VBS), church camp, or religious ed. It could be used for a lesson on the Fruits of the Spirit or to accompany discussion about “bearing good fruit”.
Family Circle Game
Family Circle is a game which works well as an icebreaker or for a lesson about relationships. It also makes sense for a meeting about human dignity. We are all members of God’s family.